8 Best Places to Eat in Srinagar
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Quick heads-up before you plan meals here: Jammu & Kashmir is a security-sensitive, disputed region. The 22 April 2025 attack near Pahalgam killed 26 people and briefly escalated India-Pakistan tensions before a May 2025 ceasefire held. The US and UK currently advise against travel to the Kashmir Valley, so check your government’s current guidance before booking. Srinagar’s restaurants and markets are open and busy under heavy security, so plan around a registered operator and stay informed as you go.
Kashmiri food is built around Wazwan, the traditional multi-course feast, but you don’t need a wedding invitation to eat well in Srinagar. Here are the eight places and dishes worth seeking out.
1. A proper Wazwan sitting
A full Wazwan runs to dozens of dishes served on a shared trami plate, traditionally for four diners. Several Srinagar restaurants and houseboats offer a scaled-down version for tourists; ask your hotel to arrange one rather than guessing at a random listing, or browse Wazwan and food tour options in Srinagar . Check the current official advisory before you book anything, and travel with a registered operator.
2. Rogan Josh at a Kashmiri kitchen
This red lamb curry, colored with Kashmiri chili rather than tomato in its traditional form, is the single dish most first-timers should order. Most mid-range Kashmiri restaurants in Srinagar do a solid version for roughly INR 400-600 a plate.
3. Gushtaba as the meal’s centerpiece
Pounded meatballs simmered in a yogurt gravy, Gushtaba traditionally closes out a Wazwan feast. On its own it’s a rich, filling main worth ordering even outside the full spread.
4. Yakhni for something lighter
A yogurt-based curry, usually lamb, that’s milder and less oily than Rogan Josh or Gushtaba. A good option if you want to try Kashmiri cooking without committing to a heavy meal.
5. Tabak Maaz, the fried lamb rib
Slow-boiled then fried lamb ribs, crisp on the outside and tender inside, are often served as a starter or side rather than a main. Worth ordering as a shared plate alongside anything else on this list.
6. Kahwa at a lakeside cafe
This saffron-and-almond green tea is Srinagar’s signature drink, served in small cups often alongside dried fruit. Cafes along the Boulevard and around Dal Lake serve it for a nominal price, and it’s a good afternoon break between sightseeing stops. A houseboat dinner is another good way to sample Kahwa alongside a home-style Kashmiri meal; search Srinagar houseboat stays with dinner included in the tariff.
7. Noon chai for the local version
The pink, salty tea locals actually drink daily, noon chai is a sharper contrast to Kahwa’s sweetness. It’s worth trying once even if the salt-tea combination isn’t for everyone.
8. Harissa in winter only
A slow-cooked meat porridge served for breakfast in the colder months, Harissa is a seasonal dish, so don’t expect to find it on a summer menu. If you’re visiting December through February, ask locally for where it’s being served that week.
Is street food safe to eat in Srinagar?
Yes, at busy stalls with high turnover, the same rule as anywhere in India. Stick to food cooked to order and served hot, drink only bottled or filtered water since Srinagar’s tap water isn’t potable, and use hand sanitizer before eating with your hands, which is common practice here. For the wider security picture beyond food safety, see the current US State Department India advisory and UK FCDO India advice .
| Dish | Type | Rough price |
|---|---|---|
| Rogan Josh | Main, lamb curry | INR 400-600 |
| Gushtaba | Main, meatballs | INR 400-700 |
| Tabak Maaz | Starter, fried lamb rib | INR 300-500 |
| Kahwa | Drink, saffron tea | INR 50-150 |
For where these dishes fit into a full day of sightseeing, see the Srinagar guide or the things to do guide , which both build meals around the Dal Lake and old-city sights.
One concrete tip: order Wazwan dishes a la carte at a sit-down restaurant on your first night before committing to a full Wazwan booking later in the trip, so you know which flavors you actually want more of.